Chapter 109

How to Tame My Beastly Husband — Chapter 109. Past Glory (3)

Celestine said nothing. The last time she had been about to share her suspicions about the true identity of the culprit, they had been interrupted by Raphael, but it was clear that she had a guess, just as Annette did.

“What do you want to say?” Annette asked, her voice soft but firm enough that Celestine’s green eyes flickered. “Haven’t you guessed yet? Lady Celestine Keers, future Crown Princess of Deltium.”

Celestine stared at her in astonishment. Her lips parted, and then closed again. She didn’t quite have the courage to say it for herself. It was understandable, considering that it was nearly a crime to doubt the royal family. And Celestine had to be even more careful, as she would soon be marrying into them.

Annette understood. Celestine had every right to ask her to leave, and claim that she knew nothing. It would not be surprising. But she had fired the full volley of everything she had, and now there was nothing to do but wait.

Trembling, Celestine rose from her chair, approached Annette, and then bent to embrace her.

“Celest…tine…?” Though she was surprised, Annette hugged her back, and a moment later, she felt a warm droplet on her shoulder, and heard a small sob.

“Oh…ah, I’m afraid, Annette,” she wept. “Why did this have to happen? Wh-why? I don’t understand, why, wh-why?”

“Don’t cry,” Annette said, patting Celestine on the back. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, bringing it up.”

Having a temperamental husband had made Annette accomplished at persuasion. Her strangely experienced reassurance worked very well, and soon Celestine’s sobs trailed off. She turned away from Annette, covering her messy face with her hands as she regained her composure. It was embarrassing to show her emotions so intensely, and she had always been a proud person.

“Here, use my handkerchief if you like,” Annette offered, producing it.

Awkwardly, Celestine accepted it, one hand hiding her face as she turned to wipe away her tears. Somehow it was doubly embarrassing to show something so unsightly in front of the graceful Annette.

Annette would have disputed the matter, but to everyone else, it seemed Annette had been perfect from birth. Celestine knew that she could not compare to the other woman, but at least she didn’t want to shame herself.

Though once she was finished wiping her face, she stood hesitantly with the borrowed handkerchief messy in her hand, wet with tears and her runny nose, and she couldn’t give it back in that condition.

Unfortunately, Annette was unaware of these considerations as she plucked the handkerchief from Celestine’s hand and examined her face.

“Umm, there’s still…turn your face a bit,” she said diplomatically, searching for a clean corner of the handkerchief. For a moment, Celestine nearly jerked away, and then Annette caught the sleeve of her surely-expensive gown instead, and blotted Celestine’s face with it.

“Better now,” Annette said, her eyes curving slightly as she looked up at Celestine. “All pretty again.”

Her smile was as dazzling as the summer sun, and Celestine was stunned. There was no other woman like Annette in the world.